The São Toméan Minister of Foreign Affairs resigned on Sunday July 30 after controversial statements in which he considered that Portugal and Angola have not provided sufficient aid for the teaching of Portuguese in Equatorial Guinea.
“Being aware of the seriousness of the situation and assuming my responsibilities, I have decided to send a letter to His Excellency, the Prime Minister and Head of Government, making my position available,” said Alberto Pereira, in a press release.
“In this sense, I hope to safeguard my image, the image of the Government and above all the image of our country. It will be up to His Excellency the Prime Minister and Head of Government to make the final decision,” added the head of São Toméan diplomacy.
Alberto Pereira said on Tuesday that countries such as Portugal and Angola have not provided enough help to teach Portuguese in Equatorial Guinea, the most recent country in the Lusophone community, and, on the contrary, “only criticize”.
The São Toméan Minister of Foreign Affairs was speaking at the reception of about 30 staff from Equatorial Guinea who will learn Portuguese and carry out internships in various areas in São Tomé and help in the organization of the 14th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking States, which will be held in the São Toméan capital on August 27.
This is the first resignation in the Government led by São Toméan Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who has been in office since November last year. The resignation of the head of São Toméan diplomacy comes a month before the 14th summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), when São Tomé and Príncipe will assume the presidency of the organization on 27 August in the São Toméan capital.